Police Blotter

• Scott K. Auten, 47, of Newton was charged with fifth-degree theft and operating while intoxicated, second offense, after authorities were informed at 12:03 p.m. Saturday of a man driving under the influence with open containers of alcohol in the vehicle at Murphy’s Gas Station at Walmart. Police spoke to the suspect, identified as Auten, and observed he smelled of alcohol and had bloodshot watery eyes. A breath test indicated at BAC of .186. While at the police department, Auten also allegedly took a rechargeable battery pack with four batteries out of the wall outlet and concealed the items in his coat pocket. Authorities observed him on a surveillance camera and charged him with theft. Auten also was cited for open container and was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

• Sammy T. Anderson, 21, of Newton was charged with driving while license suspended after authorities stopped him at 12:48 a.m. Sunday in the 700 block of First Avenue East for having an inoperable headlight and determined his license had been suspended. He was released to appear in court.

• Casey L. Edwards, 26, of Newton was charged with operating while intoxicated after authorities stopped her at 2:05 a.m. Sunday in the 3100 block of First Avenue East after observing her crossing the center line of the roadway multiple times. Edwards smelled of alcohol and failed sobriety tests. A breath test at the police department indicated a BAC of .175. She was charged and released to appear in court.

• Crystal L. Mendenhall, 27, address unknown, was charged with serious assault after authorities were dispatched at 2:31 a.m. Friday to a residence in the 200 block of North Second Avenue West in reference to an assault. The victim stated Mendenhall was between two apartments yelling and that Mendenhall struck her multiple times after she asked Mendenhall to be quiet. Mendenhall was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

• Randall G. Meyer, 54, of Newton was charged with driving while license suspended after authorities observed him exiting a vehicle and stumbling at 2:06 a.m. Friday in the 200 block of East Fifth Street North. Upon investigation, authorities determined his license was suspended. He was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

• Julie A. Miller, 52, of Montezuma was charged with fifth-degree theft after authorities responded to a shoplifting complaint at 12:19 p.m. Feb. 10 at Walmart. A loss prevention officer had witnessed Miller concealing items with a total value of $30.24 in a handbag. She was charged and released to appear in court.

• Clinton V. Robinson, 40, of Newton was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal trespass after authorities were dispatched at 12:30 a.m. Friday to a residence in the 300 block of East 12th Street North in reference to an unwanted guest. Three individuals at the residence told police that Robinson had been told repeatedly not to be on the property. During his arrest, police found a clear glass methamphetamine pipe with burnt residue in his pocket. He was transported to the Jasper County Jail.

• Holly L. Ryther, 37, and Shannon K. Wood, 42, both of Newton, each were charged with serious assault after authorities responded to a report of a fight between two females at 3:25 p.m. Thursday at 339 S. Sixth Ave. W. in Newton. Ryther was charged for allegedly assaulting another female, and Wood was charged after he allegedly assaulted a male victim who was trying to break up the fight between the females. Ryther was charged and released to appear in court. Wood had left the scene before police arrived and came to the police department on Sunday to be charged. He was released to appear in court.

• Curtis A. Watson, 25, of Newton was charged with driving while license suspended after authorities stopped him at 2:58 p.m. Feb. 10 in the 500 block of East 21st Street South for speeding and determined his license had been suspended. He was charged and transported to the Jasper County Jail.

• A 14-year-old Newton male was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia after an officer observed three students leaving an area of the Newton Senior High School where smokers had been reported at 8:36 a.m. Feb. 11. The officer located one of the students leaving the men’s restroom and found a hollow flashlight that smelled of marijuana in a trash can in the restroom. The student admitted the flashlight was his. He was charged and referred to juvenile court services.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. It is the policy of the Newton Daily News to release the names of individuals charged with a crime who are 16 and older.